Putin says Russia will use all weapons if its territory is attacked

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Thursday that Moscow does not plan to attack European countries but would respond to any aggression against Russian territory with "all weapons" in its arsenal, including nuclear options. Speaking at the Valdai Club forum, Putin accused the West of escalating tensions through military drills in the Baltic Sea and seizing Russian vessels. His remarks followed Moscow's warning to NATO that it would use nuclear weapons to defend Kaliningrad if the alliance attempted to blockade the exclave, which sits between Poland and Lithuania. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart denounced the nuclear rhetoric, calling it irresponsible, and reaffirmed the alliance's defensive posture. Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged continued support for Ukraine, saying Russia seeks to divide the West and that the best response is sustaining military aid to Kyiv.